What was projected to be the second of three straight Kansas City Chiefs games versus lesser opponents just got a whole lot easier. All-Pro safety Jessie Bates was traded earlier today, departing from the Atlanta Falcons to play for the Jaguars in Jacksonville.
It marks a much easier secondary for the Chiefs receivers to face in Week 9, and a passing defense that previously ranked 12th in the NFL, giving up just over 207 passing yards per game. Atlanta will no doubt drop significantly after losing their best player and leader in Bates.
Through nine games, Bates totaled 60 tackles, four pass deflections, an interception, and a trio of forced fumbles, one of which he returned for a 36-yard touchdown. He now brings a welcome veteran presence to a Jacksonville defense that needed star power.
By adding Bates as well as star defensive tackle Jordan Davis, Jacksonville certainly looks primed to be direct competition to the Chiefs and any other AFC contenders. As for the Chiefs, going into Atlanta and putting up points just became a much more likely outcome.
Kansas City's offense just benefitted from a major boost after Falcons trade Jessie Bates
With less than 24 hours until the NFL's trade deadline, Kansas City and Brett Veach have remained quiet, as has the receiver market. The majority of guys on the market remain up for grabs. And whether the Chiefs add another pass-catching weapon or not for Patrick Mahomes, scoring should not be an issue against the Falcons.
Atlanta statistically has been a pretty solid defense. They get to the quarterback a fair amount and can compete in both the run and pass game. But without Bates leasing an otherwise poorly constructed Atlanta back end, even the Chiefs' receivers should be able to do some damage.
It's not known how long Xavier Worthy will be out with a hamstring injury, and Rashee Rice, who just returned from a hamstring injury of his own, is just now getting back up to speed. The mysteries remain on why in the world Reid and wide receivers coach Chad O'Shea continue to put Andrew Armstrong and Jalen Royals in the game over a guy like Cyrus Allen.
And while yes, it's clear that Allen's offseason and training camp hype may have been overblown, they've yet to really give the rookie an extended chance to prove that he belongs in the big leagues. He's made his mistakes here and there. But I'd rather have Allen out there, making plays and a mistake here and there, than a complete nothingburger on the field in the form of Armstrong or Royals.
Nevertheless, Kansas City's offensive game plan just got much clearer after Bates' departure. They need to put up some points, just as they did against the New York Jets.
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